Gerald A. Rosenthal
Senior Partner
grosenthal@rosenthallevy.com

• Workers' Compensation
• Disability Retirement & Pension

For more than 30 years, Gerald A. Rosenthal has aggressively represented claimants in workers’ compensation matters. Gerry has attained statewide recognition as an accomplished and knowledgeable attorney. Having dedicated his entire career to protecting the rights of severely injury individuals, Gerry developed the Catastrophic Injury Trial Team (“CITT”). The team is dedicated to representing injured persons with life threatening illness or injury.

Gerry Rosenthal began his legal career serving the needs of organized labor. He is now widely noted for his representation of “first responders”—police, firefighters and emergency medical technicians. As a result of their employment these workers are sometimes exposed to infectious diseases such as Hepatitis “C”. Gerry Rosenthal was the first attorney in Florida to successfully try a case of Hepatitis “C” contracted in the workplace. He has compiled a noteworthy reputation for representing victims of severe trauma, toxic exposures and other catastrophic events. His clients hail from construction, maintenance, roofing, farm and field work, and other high-risk, high-incident professions and trades. Gerry Rosenthal states, “The most important elements of our legal system are fairness and equality. In representing my clients it is a privilege to use my ability and resources to level the playing field for them.

Honors/Memberships

• Best of the U.S.—Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
• Member, Million Dollar Advocates
• Member, Florida Super Lawyers
• One of the first attorneys Board Certified by the Florida Bar in Workers’ Compensation
• Listed in The Best Lawyers in America publication each year since 1993
• Union and Employee Co-Chair,  Workers' Compensation Committee, American Bar Association, "Defending Liberty, Pursuing Justice"
• Member, Board of Trustees University of Florida Law School
• Lifetime Achievement Award, Florida Workers’ Advocates
• The American Lung Association “Humanitarian of the Year” Investor Awards
• Past chairman, Executive Council of the Workers' Compensation Section (Florida Bar)
• Former director and past chairman, Florida Workers’ Advocates
• Member, Board of Directors Florida Workers' Compensation Institute
• Member, Board of Directors Florida Rural Legal Services (1982-2002)
• Past commissioner, Statewide Nominating Commission for Judges of Compensation Claims
• Former member, Florida Bar Association Grievance Committee, 15th Circuit

Education

Juris Doctor, University of Florida Law School, 1973
University of Florida

A Lifetime of Commitment

After serving in the U. S. Army and earning his Juris Doctor degree, Gerry began his legal career in Miami in 1973, the same year he was admitted to the Florida Bar. He has also been admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court (Southern District), the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court.

Over more than 30 years, Gerry Rosenthal has advocated tirelessly on behalf of injured workers in Florida. For his outstanding leadership he was honored with the W.L. “Bud” Adams Award “for advancing the philosophy and practice of the workers’ compensation system in Florida.” Gerry has twice received the Golden Eagle Award from the Florida Justice Association for “exemplary leadership.” He was also presented with the Friends of 440 Award in recognition of his “outstanding service to the field of workers’ compensation.”

• Personal Injury
• Wrongful Death
• Insurance Disputes
• Social Security Disability

Jonathan T. Levy is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney, specializing in trial litigation. Only one percent of all Florida Bar Members are board certified civil trial attorneys. Jonathan has devoted his entire professional career to handling catastrophic medical malpractice, products liability, and automobile collision cases. In addition to litigating the underlying injury claims, Jonathan has worked to secure insurance benefits for clients after the insurance carriers denied these claims in bad faith. He focuses his practice on all personal injury and insurance matters, as well as qualifying his clients for Social Security Disability benefits.

In 2004, Jonathan became a name partner of Rosenthal, Levy & Simon based on his outstanding contributions to the firm. He explained his approach: “Legal matters can be complicated and confusing, so I establish a personal relationship from the first time I meet with a client. I see my clients through all phases of a case, from the time of the injury through a trial or settlement.” Jonathan Levy has gained a reputation for being smart, aggressive and relentless on behalf of his clients. Years of successful trial work have given him the knowledge and skill necessary to fight for the rights and best interests of his clients.

Honors/Memberships

• Member, Million Dollar Advocates
• Member, Florida Super Lawyers
• Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer
• Treasurer, Palm Beach County Justice Association
• Member, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Member the American Justice Association
• Member, Florida Justice Association
• Past Chair, Young Lawyers Section Florida Justice Association
  (2003-2004)
  

Education

Juris Doctor, University of Wisconsin Law School, 1995
University of Vermont, Political Science Honors' Program

Jonathan Levy is a member of the Florida and Wisconsin Bar Associations, as well as the Federal Court for the Middle District and Southern District of Florida. He is committed to serving the local community and the legal profession. As a lawyer he pushes himself and his clients’ causes to the limit. Tenacious best describes his approach and his work ethic.

• Personal Injury
• Wrongful Death
• Insurance Disputes
• Social Security Disability
• Nursing Home Law

Steven C. Simon is a civil trial lawyer, concentrating his practice on the representation of individuals in personal injury claims, wrongful death cases, insurance disputes and social security matters. Early in his career, Steve represented insurance companies in tort litigation, including personal injury, professional malpractice, and products liability. He gained valuable insight into the ways insurance companies operate. His perspective and extensive litigation background are now devoted solely to upholding the rights of injured individuals.

Steve directs the firm’s personal injury practice in Port St. Lucie, where he has built an extensive network of medical professionals and rehabilitation experts. In addition to carrying a full case load, he is extremely active in various civic and social organizations. Steve is a regular legal commentator on local Spanish radio. He addresses the mostly Hispanic audience about issues facing their communities on the Treasure Coast. He regularly addresses legal seminars and continuing education programs throughout the state of Florida.

“My goal is to always provide uncompromising and aggressive representation so that our clients receive full compensation for their injuries. I understand that, large or small, each claim deserves the highest quality representation. It’s their life that I am entrusted with and I take that responsibility very seriously.”

Honors/Memberships

• Member, Million Dollar Advocates
• Member, Board of Directors United for Families
• Member, Florida Justice Association
• Member, Florida Workers’ Advocates
• Member, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Member, Palm Beach County Justice Association
• Member, Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Bar
• Member, American Bar Association

Education

Juris Doctor, St. Thomas University School of Law, 1992
University of Florida

Steve Simon is a lifelong resident of South Florida. He and his wife have three children.

• Workers' Compensation
• Social Security Disability
• Retirement & Pension
• Overtime Wage & Hour

Alan M. Aronson has been practicing law in Florida for over a decade. He spent seven years as the General Counsel of the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association (“PBA”). There, Alan represented a combined 2,000 police officers, correctional officers and other professional law enforcement members in internal affairs investigations, disciplinary proceedings, grievances, arbitrations and unfair labor practice hearings. He also represented PBA members throughout Palm Beach County in all use of force proceedings involving shootings, motor vehicle accidents and “in custody” deaths.

Alan has served as an Appeals Referee with the Florida Department of Labor and was an attorney for the Palm Beach County School District. His duties encompassed providing legal advice to all department heads on personnel matters, representing the district in arbitration and disciplinary hearings, as well as contract negotiations with various unions.

Throughout his career, Alan has been involved in significant labor and employment issues. He is extraordinarily passionate about protecting the rights of “first responders”—professional law enforcement and fire service members. “These people give their all for the citizens and municipalities they protect. I’m proud to use my skills as a lawyer to aggressively fight for their rights.”

Honors/Memberships

• Member, Florida Workers’ Advocates
• Member, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Member, Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Bar
• Member, Labor and Employment Section of the Florida Bar
• Member, Board of Directors, Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County
• Member, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers of Palm Beach County
• Member, South Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Frequent guest-speaker to labor unions, continuing education seminars and various other groups and associations

Education

Juris Doctor, Jacob Fuchsberg School of Law, Touro College, 1980
State University of New York

Alan Aronson is committed to doing all he can to maximize his clients’ recovery. He is admitted to practice law in both Florida and New York. He is married and has two children. The family and their two dogs reside in Boynton Beach, Florida.

• Workers' Compensation
• Disability Retirement
• Social Security Disability

Attorney Marc E. Golden has been a trial lawyer for nearly two decades. A senior associate of the firm, Marc is noted for his knowledge of the law and strong client relationships.

Prior to joining Rosenthal, Levy & Simon, Marc was an Assistant State Attorney in Palm Beach County. Over the course of five years he tried cases ranging from DUIs to homicides. Many of his cases received national media attention. Notably, Marc has been featured on "Inside Edition" and "ABC News." He later practiced as an insurance defense lawyer, representing carriers in both workers' compensation and personal injury. Since 1998, Marc’s knowledge and experience has benefited injured workers. Marc has obtained numerous favorable outcomes for his clients at trial and in the many settlements he has negotiated on their behalf.

“I get great satisfaction from helping a person work through a difficult period of their lives. There are hundreds of types of law I could have practiced, I do this because I truly love what I do. I love helping people when they need it most and seeing their case resolved in a successful outcome.”

Honors/Memberships

• Member, Florida Workers’ Advocates
• Member, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Member, Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Bar
• Member, Florida Justice Association

Education

Juris Doctor, Nova Southeastern University, 1987
Tulane University

Marc Golden is admitted to the Florida Bar, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals and the Federal Trial Bar. He is a lifelong resident of Palm Beach County and lives in Jupiter, Florida with his wife and their two children.

• Social Security Disability
• Supplemental Security Income

Joy E. Greyer has been practicing law in Florida for more than ten years. Joy is a Board Certified Social Security Disability Advocate through the National Board of Legal Specialty Certification. Joy is one of only four attorneys to achieve certification in the state of Florida.

Only 37 attorneys nationwide have been certified by the National Board of Social Security Disability Advocates.

As the lead associate in the Social Security Disability department, Joy concentrates her practice in representing claimants at hearings in front of administrative law judges. Joy is well-known throughout the state for her work as a solo practitioner, advocating for workers’ compensation claimants. In addition to a workers’ compensation litigation and appellate practice, she also served five years as a contract hearing reporter for social security administrative law judges.

Throughout her career, Joy has served disabled and injured individuals in their fight to obtain benefits and compensation. She is particularly dedicated to protecting the rights of those individuals least able to advocate for themselves. “Millions of Americans suffer from disabilities and impairments resulting from disease, accidents or congenital defects. As a Social Security Disability attorney my passion is advocating for these individuals and working to see they receive every benefit to which they are entitled.”

Honors/Memberships

• Board Certified Social Security Disability Lawyer
• Member, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Admitted, United States District Court
• National Organization of Social Security Claimant's Representatives
• Frequent guest-speaker to continuing education seminars and various other groups and associations

Education

• Juris Doctor, Nova University Law School, 1994
• Barry University

Joy E. Greyer has been a member in good standing of the Florida Bar since 1994. Joy is licensed to practice in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida.

• Workers' Compensation

Nicole V. Hessen concentrates her practice in representing workers who have been injured on the job or as a result of the work they do. She is a passionate advocate for her clients and is well known for her compassionate approach to the practice of law. Nicole is a zealous advocate with an aggressive and effective style. Nicole Hessen has in excess of a decade's worth of experience successfully representing workers' compensation claimants throughout South Florida.

“It's only fair when someone suffers a work injury that the employer steps up to the plate and does what's right.” She continued, “Unfortunately, not all employers do what's right. Not all employers do what's just. That's where I come in. I give my clients 100%. This is why I became a lawyer.” Tenacious best describes Nicole V. Hessen.

Honors/Memberships

• Member, Florida Association of Women Lawyers (“FAWL”)
• Member, Florida Justice Association
• Member, Palm Beach County Justice Association
• Member, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Member, Workers' Compensation Practice Committee, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Member, Friends of 440
• Member, Florida Workers' Advocates
• Member, Workers' Compensation Section of the Florida Bar
• Mentor , Take Stock in Children
• Secretary, School Advisory Council, Binks Forest Elementary

Education

• Juris Doctor, St. Thomas University School of Law, 2000
• Florida Atlantic University , 1997 

Nicole V. Hessen is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar Association. She lives in Wellington , Florida with her four children and husband Mark.

Yolando A. Hewling
Associate
yhewling@rosenthallevy.com

• Workers' Compensation
• Overtime Wage & Hour
• Social Security Disability

Yolando A. Hewling concentrates her practice in representing injured individuals in workers’ compensation and personal injury law. Prior to joining Rosenthal, Levy & Simon, she worked as a criminal defense and family law attorney. Yolando has developed a reputation for being a tireless advocate for her clients. Her compassionate manner puts clients at ease, while her aggressive nature and excellent trial skills serve to ensure that clients are forcefully represented in the courtroom and at settlement negotiations.

“So much of what I do is about a relationship between me and my client. I work to gain my clients’ trust and I work to see that they receive the best possible outcome. Since I began practicing law, I’ve tried to always work as hard for my clients as they work for themselves. I am committed to giving them my full attention, making myself accessible, and keeping our line of communication open.”

Honors/Memberships

• Member, Major B. Harding American Inns of Court
• Member, Martin County Bar Association—Young Lawyer Division
• Member, American Trial Lawyer Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Palm Beach County Justice Association
• Member, Workers’ Compensation Section of the Florida Bar
• Member, Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization
• Member, Mothers Against Drunk Driving of Palm Beach County
• Member, Urban League of Palm Beach County

Education

Juris Doctor, Florida State University College of Law, 2002
Florida State University

Yolando Hewling is a member in good standing of the Florida and Georgia Bar Associations. She resides in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Ethan F. Kominsky
Associate
ekominsky@rosenthallevy.com

• Personal Injury
• Wrongful Death
• Insurance Disputes

Ethan F. Kominsky concentrates his practice in representing injured and disabled individuals in personal injury, wrongful death and insurance dispute law. Ethan joined Rosenthal, Levy & Simon after serving as an associate staff counsel with Ohio Casualty Group, in Chicago, Illinois. Ethan represented the insurance company in personal injury actions arising from construction site, dog bite, and auto and premises accidents. His experience as counsel for the defense is a great advantage to the injured clients he represents today. Ethan understands how the defense values cases, knows the obstacles they raise and how to overcome them. Since turning his talents to fighting for injured individuals, Ethan has become extremely passionate about championing their causes. He uses his knowledge of the other side’s tactics to effectively represent clients of the firm.

“Lawyers have a duty to uphold the law. We are here to make certain every individual is treated fairly by the justice system. I use my knowledge of the law to put clients on the same level playing field with large insurance companies and their attorneys.”

Honors/Memberships

• Director, Palm Beach County Justice Association
• Director, Florida Justice Association-Young Lawyers Board of Directors
• Director, Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County-Young Adult Division
• Director, Farm Worker Coordinating Council of Palm Beach County
• Member, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Member, Florida Justice Association
• Member, Leadership Council, Cystic Fibrosis
• Member, Million Dollar Advocates

Education

Juris Doctor, Boston University School of Law, 2000
University of Wisconsin, Madison

Ethan is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar Association, the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida and the Illinois Bar Association; United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois. He resides in Juno Beach, Florida, and enjoys golf, weightlifting, mountain biking, travel and frequent trips to the beach.

• Workers' Compensation
• Overtime Wage & Hour

Eric S. Lakind is a workers’ compensation attorney with a wealth of experience. Since 1997, he has aggressively represented claimants at settlement negotiations and through trial in workers’ compensation, automobile collision and personal injury cases. Eric is a Board Certified specialist in Workers’ Compensation. Only a small minority of attorneys ever achieve this benchmark. He has represented clients in American with Disabilities Act claims and with claims for disability benefits from the State of Florida Retirement System. As a pivotal member of the Catastrophic Injury Trial Team, he represents injured individuals with life-threatening illness or injuries contracted in the workplace.

“I’ve learned a great deal about my clients over many years of practicing law. These are people who have worked hard all their lives. Many times they are made to feel ashamed and apprehensive about seeking justice through the legal system. My goal is to lead clients through the process with all the respect and compassion I’d wish for myself and my family.”

Honors/Memberships

• Board Certified Workers’ Compensation Attorney
• Member, Million Dollar Advocates
• Member, Catastrophic Injury Trial Team
• Member, Board of Directors Friends of 440
• Member, Florida Workers’ Advocates
• Member, Florida Justice Association
• Frequent guest-speaker to labor unions, continuing education seminar and various other groups and associations

Education

University of Miami Law School, 1993, Juris Doctor, Cum Laude
Brandeis University, 1990, B.A., Cum Laude

Eric is admitted to both the Florida Bar and South Carolina Bar, and is a member of the Bar for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina.

Eric and his wife reside with their two children in West Palm Beach, Florida.

• Workers' Compensation

Jane McGill concentrates her practice in representing individuals who have been injured, disabled or have contracted illness during the course of their employment. Jane joined Rosenthal, Levy & Simon after spending twelve years as an educator in the Dade and Palm Beach County School Districts . She also operated her own insurance company for nearly a decade.

Coming from the insurance industry Jane has seen numerous families faced with the indecision and confusion a tragedy brings. Jane began her decade long legal career with the goal of helping people in that unenviable position. Having herself been involved in the process of litigation, Jane understands firsthand how important a true advocate is to the client. And, she appreciates the difference good counsel and a trusted ally can mean to a client and their family.

“My practice is about standing with my client when it seems no one else will. My service to every client begins with a compassionate ear. My strength is rooted in having the patience to listen to and understand the reality of every client's individual situation.” She continued, “Once armed with this knowledge, all of my focus and energy are directed at providing passionate, aggressive representation.”

Honors/Memberships

• Member, Florida Association of Women Lawyers (“FAWL”)
• Member, Florida Justice Association
• Member, Palm Beach County Justice Association
• Member, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Member, Friends of 440
• Member, Florida Workers' Advocates
• Member, Workers' Compensation Section of the Florida Bar
• Frequent Guest Speaker

Education

• Juris Doctor, Nova Southeastern University, 1998
• Florida International University , 1975 

Jane E. McGill is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar Association. Jane is also an appellate lawyer and has successfully argued cases before the 1 st District Court of Appeals. She resides in Boynton Beach , Florida , and enjoys reading, dancing, shopping, fitness and winning.

• Workers' Compensation
• Personal Injury

As a young girl growing up in Jamaica , Veniese A. Wilkinson knew she wanted to become a lawyer. She committed to do whatever it took to reach her goal. In 2007, all of the hard work and dedication culminated with her graduation from the University of Florida Law School. Today, Veniese is a valued member of Rosenthal, Levy & Simon's workers' compensation law team. Veniese has quickly developed a reputation for thoroughness, careful attention to detail and her fervent representation of injury accident victims.

“I can honestly say I go to work with a smile on my face every day. I never lose sight of the fact that the work I do makes a big difference in the lives of my clients.” Veniese continued, “My clients entrust me with a very special responsibility. They allow me to fight for them in one of the few situations they'll ever face where they can't fight for themselves. I take my responsibility to my clients extremely seriously.”

Honors/Memberships

• Member, Caribbean Bar Association
• Member, F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr. Bar Association
• Member, Florida Justice Association
• Member, Palm Beach County Justice Association
• Member, Palm Beach County Bar Association
• Member, Friends of 440
• Member, Florida Workers' Advocates
• Member, University of Florida Alumni Association
• Member, Workers' Compensation Section of the Florida Bar

Education

• Juris Doctor, University of Florida-Levin College of Law, 2007
• Bernard Baruch College, City University of New York, Cum Laude, 2004

Veniese A. Wilkinson is a member in good standing of the Florida Bar. She enjoys jogging, travel and community service. Veniese and her husband reside in West Palm Beach, Florida.